Shettima Commends NAHCON for Smooth 2026 Hajj, Backs Shift to Private Sector-Led Operations

Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Pilgrims Welfare Boards for what he described as the successful and seamless conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The Vice President gave the commendation on Wednesday while receiving the board and management of NAHCON, alongside representatives of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The delegation briefed the Vice President on the outcome of the just-concluded 2026 Hajj operations and outlined plans for future pilgrimages.

Shettima praised the commitment of NAHCON, the state pilgrims’ boards and other stakeholders, noting that the smooth coordination of this year’s pilgrimage should serve as the standard for future exercises.

He urged the commission to sustain the momentum as Nigeria works towards a more efficient and sustainable Hajj administration capable of delivering a completely hitch-free pilgrimage.

According to the Vice President, the performance recorded during the 2026 Hajj demonstrates that improved planning, coordination and collaboration among stakeholders can significantly enhance the experience of Nigerian pilgrims.

Earlier, NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, presented a summary of the 2026 Hajj operations and informed the Vice President of major reforms introduced by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

He disclosed that Saudi Arabia had adopted a business-to-business model as part of its Vision 2030 reforms, under which about 98 per cent of Hajj pilgrims would be served through private tour operators.

Yusuf explained that the new arrangement would see NAHCON retain its regulatory and supervisory responsibilities while operational aspects of Hajj services are gradually transferred to the private sector.

He said the commission had already begun preparations to implement the new framework and remained committed to ensuring a smooth transition.

According to him, NAHCON is positioning itself to effectively discharge its regulatory role while working with licensed private operators to improve service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.

The NAHCON chairman assured the Vice President that the commission would continue to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to maintain high standards in future Hajj operations and ensure Nigerian pilgrims receive efficient and quality services under the new operational model.